Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Press Box

News

NMU alumnus David O’Connor (BS 1996) received the President’s Leadership Award from the Michigan Irish-American Chamber of Commerce (MIACC) at its annual gala on March 13 in Detroit. Dignitaries who attended included the mayor of County Cork, Ireland. O’Connor is founder, past president and board member of the MIACC. The chamber works to advance the business, culture, education and civic welfare of Michigan citizens of Irish descent. It is part of Irish Network USA.

Northern Michigan University will host a gun control debate at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, in 1100 Jamrich Hall. The debate will include two participants: former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin, who is now an adjunct faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University; and John Lott Jr., Fox News columnist and president of the newly formed Crime Prevention Research Center.

Northern Michigan University education students Jennie Baker of Munising and Amy Burley of Marquette were among the "Teachers of Promise" who attended the Governor's Education and Talent Summit March 12-13 in Novi. The Network of Michigan Educators invited universities to select their top two pre-service teachers for the designation. The students were honored at a banquet and had an opportunity to network with education leaders from across the state at the conference.

The two winners of Northern Michigan University's inaugural Three-Minute Thesis competition will advance to the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools' regional competition April 6 in Grand Rapids. Tianli Kilpatrick, a master's degree candidate in English, earned first place and the People's Choice Award for her presentation, titled "The Immortal Jellyfish, and Other Things That Don't Know About Love." William Brown, a biology student, finished second with "Development of Rapid HIV Diagnostic Assay Using Isothermal Amplification Coupled with Peptide Nuclear Acid and Gold Nanoparticle Colorimetric Detection."

NMU College of Business Professor Trent Batchelor provided expert commentary for WalletHub’s recent comparison of tax rates in the 50 states and the District of Columbia against national medians. Batchelor teaches tax and advanced accounting at NMU. WalletHub ranked states according to their income, sales and excise, real estate and vehicle taxes, and by overall tax impact based on the cost-of-living index. Too see the comparison and read Batchelor’s commentary, click here.

Northern Michigan University will join the international Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) movement with its inaugural campus competition at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in Mead Auditorium in West Science. Five master's degree students will be judged on their ability to effectively explain their research in only three minutes in language appropriate to a general audience. They are limited to one PowerPoint slide, but no other resources or props. The NMU winner will advance to the Midwest regional championship April 6 in Grand Rapids.

Recent upgrades to Northern Michigan University’s audio recording studio are aligning with new demands in emerging areas of digital media production. Mark Shevy, professor of Communication and Performance Studies, said the project is being made possible “due to a perfect storm—in a good way.”

As a Northern student, Mike Picotte (BS 2001) spent much of his free time in the campus audio production labs, becoming proficient in their specialized software and equipment. Now he is realizing a major return on that investment. The Gwinn native is a senior sales engineer for Sweetwater, billed as “the world’s leading music technology and instrument retailer.” Picotte advises clients on gear purchases and designs recording studios and live venues. He also consults on complex sound systems for large tours by artists such as Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake. In addition to his day job, Picotte has earned a stellar reputation among high-profile artists for his side passions: serving as a front-of-house engineer for concerts; and mixing/mastering records.

Northern Michigan University will celebrate World Languages Week March 19-22. Lily Pearl Balloffet, history professor at Western Carolina University, will present "U.S. Policy, Global Migration and the American Dream: Past and Present" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, in 1320 Jamrich Hall. She will also co-lead an Immigration and Community Workshop at the same time and location on Thursday, March 22. The Wildcat Den will offer cuisine from Spain, Germany and France for purchase Tuesday-Thursday, respectively. All of these activities are open to the public.

The TED Talks Club at Northern Michigan University will host a TEDx event featuring eight regional speakers who will share their ideas and research on a variety of topics. It is scheduled from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24. While NMU’s licensing agreement limits the number of tickets available for the event in the Jamrich Hall auditorium, campus and community members are welcome to view a livestream on their own, or obtain tickets for an overflow viewing in 1322 Jamrich Hall, which includes access to a reception with presenters in the University Center.